Camp Chilly Bum

Camp Chilly Bum was sparked by curiosity to experiment. A few friends went to Killarney Provincial Park with the idea of testing out different winter camping styles and gear. What they discovered, however, had less to do with equipment and more to do with connection. They found the real heart of the trip was when everyone gathered together in a single hot tent to share meals. Protected from the frosty air, the space filled with good conversation and easy laughter. They realized that was the perfect winter camping experience, and the idea for a small, cozy, communal trip was born.

This is our most intimate winter gathering, an invitation to recreate that magic. We trade the scale of a large festival for the warmth of a single campfire, creating a space where you can connect with everyone. Each January, we explore a new winter wonderland, building a temporary home in the snow as a small, self-reliant team.

Is This Trip For You?

This trip is a perfect fit if:

  • You have solid 3-season camping experience and, ideally, have tried winter camping a few times before.

  • You're looking for a winter trip that’s more about gorgeous scenery, connection, and relaxation than high-mileage challenges.

  • You enjoy the unique camaraderie of a small group where you can get to know every single person, and sometimes just enjoy silence together.

  • An approachable, relaxed pace for activities like snowshoeing, hiking, or skiing sounds like your idea of a great day.

What to Expect

Picture a handful of tents nestled in the snow and a single, glowing hot tent at the heart of camp. This is our kitchen, our dining room, and our living room—a warm hub where we cook, share meals, and trade stories, sheltered from the frost. It’s also our comedy club where we laugh a lot!

Camp Chilly Bum is built on shared moments. The days are slow and flexible, leaving room for a peaceful snowshoe, learning from each other, or simply enjoying a hot cup of tea in the quiet woods. It's less about the number of people and more about creating a group that can comfortably share one fire and become friends over a weekend. It's about collective effort, shared warmth, and the simple joy of community in the cold.

Key Details

  • Annual Trip in the Heart of Winter: We head out for a weekend every January.

  • A New Park Every Year: We explore a different winter-open Ontario Provincial Park each trip. We've been to Killarney and Algonquin, and we're heading to Killbear Park for January 2026!

  • Experience Required: Participants should be comfortable with their gear and have previous camping experience. Some winter camping experience is strongly recommended.

  • Intentionally Small Group: With only 5-15 participants, you'll get to know everyone.

  • Communal & Cozy: The shared hot tent and single campfire are the heart of our experience. We often cook and eat meals together.

  • We are all peers and equals. We treat each other with mutual respect and work together to create our calm, cozy, and easy going camp.

  • We enthusiastically include people who aren’t always treated that way! 🏳️‍🌈✊🏿✡️ ☪️

Ready to find warmth in the winter woods? Join our cozy circle by checking out the community sign-up page.